The full profile of the Rijeka-Zagreb highway, with a total length of 146.5 kilometers, was opened today by Prime Minister Ivo Sanader at the southern side of the Tuhobić tunnel.
“We waited 38 years for the highway from Rijeka to Zagreb and for the political strength that would have both the power and the funds to solve this problem,” said the Prime Minister, adding that by declaring the full profile of the highway open, he sees that “serving the people through politics makes sense today.” The construction of the Rijeka-Zagreb highway, which began in 1971, has cost more than an estimated 661.5 million euros. Parts of the last two sections that were completed to full profile, from Oštrovica to Vrata (11 km) and from Kupjak to Vrbovsko (3.5 km), were finished 2.5 months ahead of schedule. Traveling from Rijeka to Zagreb, while adhering to speed limits, will take about one hour and 15 minutes, and the toll price from November 1 will be 60 kuna. Prime Minister Sanader stated at the opening ceremony that today a dream of the Croatian people has been realized, a dream that could not be fulfilled during Yugoslavia. Croatia was not a priority then and could not pursue a sovereign policy but one dictated by Belgrade, he said, emphasizing that road connectivity is a prerequisite for the overall growth of economic activities and life in general. (H)
